Poverty Simulations

Poverty simulations are a series of role-playing scenarios that give participants the opportunity to learn about the realities of poverty and its impact on society as a whole. Participants adopt a new persona and family profile for the purpose of the exercise.

Participants of the simulation navigate through daily tasks that many of us take for granted. During four timed “weeks”, those assigned adult roles try to maintain their home, feed their families, send their children to school, and retain utility services while trying to navigate local supports and resources. Those assuming the roles of children have an opportunity to see what it is like to go to school and cope with family dynamics, peer pressure, and the need for love and attention within the context of a family in poverty. The outcome of the simulation is unpredictable and demonstrates how strategizing with limited resources can make the meeting even the most basic needs very challenging for a family.

A poverty simulation can be a profoundly moving experience. It is thought-provoking and promotes insightful conversation about the realities of poverty. It demonstrates the importance of a community working together to address the problem of poverty. Most importantly, it inspires action and moves people to get involved in making a difference.

As the simulation concludes, participants come together to discuss their experiences. The power of this unique learning resource is its ability to provide real insight into the barriers that low-income families face daily and to motivate participants to work for change in their communities.

We do also offer a virtual platform to host poverty simulations, please contact us for more information on this option.